This opportunity has happened when I got a second chance to apply for the project, my work contract was finishing in August 2015 and EVS starting in September (first run). It didn’t happen by then, but later on, due to the unexpected quitting of a Portuguese volunteer, I was given that second chance. Even though it might’ve brought a feeling of bitterness to that person, it brought me what until now, has been an experience based on personal growth, social experience and gratitude. Having been a last minute notice, I had a week to compress my needs in a 20kg bag and for goodbyes. I was ready. The Forest is a charity that aims to promote a socially opened space in which, after obtaining sufficient fund for maintenance, the remaining profit is used to promote local culture and arts. Presently, The Forest’s quarters are a vegetarian/vegan café in Tollcross, Edinburgh. The café is daily visited by customers from all sorts of nationalities. While volunteering here, a space that once had a greater “empire” (Forest Centre + was evicted due to burocracies/landlord issues) that promoted workshops, gigs and other related events, we learn how to adapt all this essence and compress it in a very special vegetarian café. Here, we find and make new friends that compose this strong and affectionate community. I can’t describe the city of Edinburgh without at least thinking of ten or more adjectives, but I’d definitely say that amongst those there’s: humid, green, cold, historic, emotionally conscious and free. Among many other characteristics this city has to offer, ever since its dawn till its dusk, all of them make me grow in an incalculable and unexpected way.

My weekly routine consists, in a simple structured way, of:

Volunteering as a kitchen assistant or night manager in Forest Café – in a natural progressive way, I learned how to cook/prepare meals from the café’s menu, as well as selling them using the till. As a night manger I also plan and manage tasks involving stock management, sales, cleaning, new volunteer training and closing the café;

Getting involved in projects promoted by The Forest – events happen on a weekly basis, either in the café or other related and planned spots. Anything might happen, from movies, gigs, workshops and/or national cultural days which bring us the essence and culture from a country by sharing some of its gastronomy and culture;

Explore new places – either by my own recreation, with walks and longboard exploring sessions (I started longboarding here!) or by influence of some events like raves, that make you explore the small corners in the city or the hills that surround it.

Sunbathing while the sun is out! – The Meadows is the most popular park in the city. If Edinburgh is having a sunny day, that’s where people meet to relax, talk or practice some sports. In case of a good night, I share my musical taste with people from other culture and have exotic jam sessions and/or camp. In case of a typical drop from 18ºC in the afternoon to 0ºC at night… I spend my time writing articles for the EVS blog and I plan my house’s maintenance with my four flatmates and EVS colleagues with whom I share stories and experiences about new people and places we’ve met.

I share perspectives with different cultures – interacting with so many different mentalities from cultures all over the world, makes me put my own thoughts and ideals in a new perspective, consequently maturing them, daily!

This experience has, until now, been an array of emotions and personal decisions. Daily, I think of a way how to explain and return the freedom and well-being I feel while I’m here. European Voluntary Service has not only given me an opportunity to mature myself and be true to my word, but it has also given me the chance to do so in a country which I would have otherwise needed years to go to and have an experience like this. I share a flat with three different people from different cultures and I’m living in a city where this variety is far richer… and I do so happy, tranquil and open-hearted. I take in the most I can and give back just as much.